Cockroaches are one of the most loathsome pests that you can come across. Just thinking about a cockroach can make your skin crawl. One can’t be blamed for ruthlessly despising cockroaches. And the fact that some cockroaches can even fly is terrifying!
But apart from them looking scary, cockroaches also carry diseases and thrive in the darkest and dingiest corners of your home. What’s worse is insects like roaches multiply quickly and in large numbers. If you leave one cockroach behind, it will take over and you’ll have no way to control the infestation. So here’s a brief guide on cockroaches and how you can get rid of them effectively.
What Are The Common Types Of Roaches
Before you hunt those creepy-crawlies down, let’s take a quick look at the most commonly found roaches.
German Cockroaches
One of the cockroaches found most commonly that also reproduces fast. They are light brown in color, have two dark stripes along the middle section of their body, and grow approximately 0.5 inches long. They tend to infest living spaces like apartment buildings and houses and are found to thrive in humid temperatures between 70℉ and 75℉.
Smoky-Brown Cockroach (Not common in California)
Larger than most cockroaches at 1.5 inches long, the smoky brown cockroach is solid dark brown in color and has a black and hard outer shell. Their wings are also longer than their bodies and they are common flyers. Smoky brown cockroaches like to hide in moist and damp areas. They’re nocturnal creatures and are attracted to light.
American Cockroaches
Largest of all the cockroaches, the American cockroaches can grow up to 2 inches in length. They’re typically brown or red in color and have a yellow tinge on the tips of their legs and wings. They are also seen commonly but are not as common in living spaces as the German cockroaches as they prefer being outdoors. American cockroaches also prefer very warm areas with temperatures above 82℉.
Oriental Cockroaches
The stinkiest of the lot, oriental cockroaches are often found in homes with a lot of vegetation. They are small but round, growing up to 1 inch in length, and have dark, shiny black bodies. They have wings but, fortunately, they don’t fly. They are more common in colder areas and damp locations.
Brown Banded Cockroaches (Not common in California)
Although not as common as the German cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach prefers indoor spaces. The male brown-banded cockroaches are golden-colored while females are reddish-brown. They have narrow bodies and can grow 0.5 inches in length. They hide in warmer and drier areas and can be quite dangerous as they leave behind egg cases and old skin that can trigger asthma and allergies.
DIY Ways To Eradicate Roaches
The most convenient and easiest way to get rid of cockroaches in large numbers is to get professional pest control. However, there are plenty of reasons why you may want to go the natural route and use natural DIY ways to eradicate them. The chemical sprays used for professional pest control can leave behind a pungent odor that can linger in the house for a while.
So if you want to try your hand at busting the cockroach infestation in your home, here are some simple, home remedies to get rid of roaches in your home.
Bay Leaves
If you cook at home, you probably have some bay leaves in your pantry. Crush a few bay leaves into powder and sprinkle the powder in areas where you spot cockroaches most often. Bay leaves have a very distinct odor that acts as a repellent against cockroaches and keeps them away. You should note that bay leaves will not kill the roaches but will draw them out.
Baking Soda And Sugar
Baking soda is one of the most effective DIY ways to eradicate roaches. All you need is a mixture of baking soda, water, and sugar in a bowl. Drizzle this homemade solution around common hiding spots. Slowly but surely, you’ll see the roach population decrease.
Lemon Juice
The acidic properties of lemons and their strong scent repel cockroaches. You could spray a mix of lemon juice and water over surfaces and corners of your home to eliminate roaches. You could even mop surfaces using a towel soaked in lemon juice to make the lemon juice smell stronger.
Preventative Measures To Keep Roaches Away
Here are some preventive steps that will effectively keep your living spaces free of cockroaches.
Keep Spaces Clean
Roaches crawl out of hiding looking for food crumbs, and most often, dining tables and kitchen counters are their hunting grounds. Make sure you don’t leave any food on kitchen counters and clean these spaces thoroughly to ensure there are no crumbs to attract pests.
Store Food Properly
Roaches smell food like mosquitoes smell blood. Make sure your leftovers are stored in air-tight containers, and always keep vessels that contain food covered. If you leave anything out, roaches are bound to show up.
Use Lidded Trash Cans
Roaches love moist environments, and trash cans are their primary targets. If you’re throwing wet waste, be sure to use a trash can that can be covered or sealed. If your trash bins are leak-proof, it will help keep roaches away effectively.
Ventilate Living Spaces Well
With constant ventilation, even the most damp and moist corners of your home become dry and clean. This will give roaches no reason to come into your home. If you see cockroaches in your bathroom, keep the doors open and turn on an exhaust fan to make the space less damp.
Inspect Your Groceries And Utensils
Sometimes, you unknowingly bring roaches home with your grocery bags. Before placing food packets and shopping items in their correct place, dust them off to make sure roaches aren’t piggybacking along. Double-check washed utensils or ones that haven’t been used for a while to make sure there aren’t any roaches hiding in them.
To Sum It Up
It is said that cockroaches will outlive humans in a nuclear apocalypse. It’s no wonder then that these pesky pests can be so difficult to get rid of. But the DIY methods and preventive techniques we’ve suggested here are known to be effective in getting rid of cockroaches in a foolproof and cost-effective manner. Try them out and watch the roaches scurry away!
